Wait to be picked or just pay 20,000!

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HELLO everyone! I'm 26yr old from cental cali. I've finished all my prereqs for Rn and now am just waiting! I'm in a lottery for a rn and lvn program. My options are either paying 20,000 for a LVN private college in LA or moving to the virgin islands for two years. They are both expensive and now I am just wondering if I should just wait another year and see what happens here at home. The RN program here is very competetive but the LVN program will automatically take me if I don't get in after the third lottery (I've already been through one). I do want to get it over with but I can't bear to think that I would pay 20,000 for programs that cost 3,000! Should I just wait? I was thinking that I would train as a phleobotomist and try to work while I wait so I'm still getting expieriance. What do you guys think!!! please help!

I am in L.A. where four or five community colleges within commuting distance offer an R.N. program. I completed my prereqs and then applied to multiple programs. I did not have a problem getting accepted. The cost to apply is free or minimal, and I believe you can go to any community college program in the state of California and pay the same tution -- so why not apply to as many as you can any place you can see yourself living.

Specializes in Emergency Dept, M/S.

If you're going to be moving, maybe you could check out programs in those areas. $20K is a lot to pay, but overall, you would be working as a nurse much earlier, so it could pay for itself. I'm one that believes you can't put a price on education - especially a good one! I go to a private college, over $20K a year, and while it doesn't make it a better program than the CC's in any way, I'm getting my nursing degree YEARS earlier than I would have, if I'd waited on the waitlist.

I had options of waiting also, but in my heart, I knew I couldn't wait forever. Plus at my age (late 30's), it was something I wanted to get done NOW. I'm very impatient!! LOL

Specializes in NICU.

I went the pay a lot route - a lot more than 20K, actually. I too was in California, and I just couldn't see dealing with the waitlists. My situation was a little different, as I'm doing a DE Master's program. I'm not sure about paying that much for an LVN when what you seem to want is an RN.

Specializes in Rural Health.

I agree with the other posters, 20K is a lot to spend on an education. I would apply to as many schools you can possibly apply for and see what turns up. I wouldn't "settle" because you feel it's the only option. It's never the "only" option out there.

Good luck!!!

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